Can anyone beat the All Blacks at this World Cup?

Question

Given that we are nearing the end of pool play and have some form to judge by I cannot see any team stopping the All Blacks from winning the 2007 RWC. What do you think?

Answer 1

I do not see how you can say that since South Africa have just gotten stronger throughout the tournament.  (If anyone brings up the Tonga game, then I'll almost certainly call you a moron... apologies in advance)

On any given day any team can beat another but I cant see anyone other than Australia or South Africa stopping us.  Australia have the brains to do it, and South Africa have the ability.  I'm not saying South Africa are not smart, but I am saying no team is as smart as the Aussie's.  There is no team that does more with what they have than them.  If the games were decided by pure skill, then I think Australia would be lucky to make it out of the QF's.

Having said that, I just dont think they are quite smart enough to make up for how far behind NZ they are in skill this time.  They got NZ away from the gameplan they should have played in '03 and NZ had a whole lot of off the field issues pulling them down... I cant see that happening again.

I am more worried about South Africa.  They are the closest team to NZ in terms of skill and ability and I am dying to see a NZ v SA final.  I picked it as the best match possible before the RWC started and I believe it even more now.

Answer 2

I was following scotland... (no relation btw). but yeah. i think the All Blacks have it in the bag.

maybe next year I'll support them. yeah.. jumping on the bandwagon.  

How are you going to celebrate?

sorry for the c**p answer. love the game... but i'm not that 'tactical'.

SHame

Answer 3

The Australians have a chance to beat the All Blacks and have done so many times in the past, but the Springboks are second favorites behind the All Blacks and have a powerful forward pack, strong back line and blindingly fast wingers.  In my humble opinion, I believe it will be the All Blacks and South Africa in the final and South Africa will win by 7 to 10 points.

Answer 4

I hope so because it has been along time coming, twenty years.  So fingers crossed because until they get to the finals and win the finals then I'll be celebrating.  Until then I won't take anything for granted.

Answer 5

Theoretically any other team that we cross paths with can beat us en route to the final.

Realistically, France, Australia and South Africa are the only teams that might beat us in this tournament - and that's always been the case.

Hopefully we'll go through unbeaten and take out the cup.

Honestly, we've been through all this before at recent RWC's and come away with nothing, and although we're in the best shape to finally do it this time, there's no way I'm gonna be as confident to say 'it's our's'... it might be bad luck!

Answer 6

Stirling Mortlock is injured, us Aussies are in trouble. Hopefully he's back in time for the semis, like he's meant to be.

But yeah, Australia or South Africa.

Answer 7

georgia

Answer 8

Well, they are the best team in the world... but i think that Australia, South Africa or in some extent Argentina may beat them. At least they scare the AB.

Answer 9

Australia can beat them if the All Blacks choke as usual, If not the Springbocks will take them in the Finals.

Answer 10

I think all participators in the challenge for the RWC, are very much aware that the AB's have thier eye firmly locked on it, as are they.

NZ AB's are better prepared this time around, much better than last time.

All the best to everyone

Answer 11

Australia or South Africa. My reason is that the All Blacks seem too confident and that is going to go there head and when the real pressure comes, they are going to be hit hard.

But I really want the All Blacks to win as they have been the strongest team for the last two years and deserve to win the cup.

Answer 12

Was there any doubt? With ALL of NZ behind them, how can they fail?!!!!

Answer 13

I am sorry that you even need to ask the question when you know that South Africa; Australia;  maybe even Farnce and certainly Georgia can beat NZ.